The Department of Justice has announced a number of immigration changes to simplify the processing of citizenship applications and to facilitate immigration requirements over the Christmas period.
From 1 January 2022, new citizenship applicants will no longer be required to submit their original passport with the initial application. Instead, applicants must provide a full colour copy of their entire passport, including the front and back covers, and the colour copy must be witnessed by a solicitor and submitted with the application form.
In addition, the validity of Irish Residency Permit (IRP) cards that were in-date at the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020 has been extended to 15 January 2022. Expired Irish Residence Permit (IRP) cards may be used to enable customers in the State to depart from and return to Ireland over Christmas and until 15 January 2022. When returning to Ireland, an existing IRP card and a print copy of the Department of Justice travel confirmation notice will be required to show proof of residence.
Re-entry visa requirements for children under the age of 16 are also suspended to facilitate travel plans during the Christmas period.
For more information, see:
